Every spring, Hoboken Girl hosts its annual Formalwear Drive and Community Sale benefitting. However, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, while we cannot gather in person, the need for formal clothing has not ceased. We have rounded up a list of places to donate new or gently used formal wear in North Jersey including gowns, tuxedoes, and business attire.
Cinderella’s Closet of Monmouth County {Freehold}
Cinderella’s Closet, located in Freehold, New Jersey, has been in existence for over a decade. The non-profit’s mission is to provide an opportunity for prom outfitting to those who would otherwise not be able to attend due to a lack of financial resources. To date, Cinderella’s Closet has been able to provide dresses to hundreds of students and looks forward to continuing to support students for years to come.
Project Self-Sufficiency Sister to Sister Prom Program {Newton}
Started by two teenagers, Project Self Sufficiency Sister to Sister Prom Program provides dresses and formalwear to those in need. To date, the program has provided hundreds of dresses, shoes, and handbags to students preparing for prom and other formal events. All donations must be dry cleaned and, on a hanger, to be accepted. Gowns are accepted through April. Details on spring 2021 donations will be posted shortly.
Read More: Volunteer Opportunities in Hoboken + Jersey City for April 2021
Becca’s Closet {Montvale + Hackettstown}
Becca’s closet is a national, non-profit organization whose mission is to supply girls with prom dresses who may otherwise not be able to afford them. Becca’s Closet was started in 2003 after its namesake, Rebecca Kirtman, passed away in a car accident. Shortly before passing, Becca created a drive that collected more than 250 dresses to be donated in her home community. The organization, now nearly two decades old, can outfit hundreds of girls for their prom as well as provide scholarships to high school students exemplifying outstanding service in their communities. The New Jersey Chapters are located in Montvale and Hackettstown. New or gently used dresses in the current style are accepted at local chapters.
Dress for Success {Hudson County}
Obtaining financial independence after experiencing hardship is no easy task. Dress for Success, which is a national organization, is committed to helping women do this every day by providing the tools necessary to succeed. Part of the Dress for Success toolkit is appropriate, professional attire as this is an essential part of landing a job and feeling confident—especially during the interview process. Acceptable items to donate include blouses, skirts, slacks, blazers, dresses, unopened cosmetics, jewelry, scarves, shoes, and work-appropriate handbags. Many women who benefit from these donations often head straight to an interview, so please be sure all donations are dry-cleaned and are either new or gently used—no stains, missing zippers/buttons, or tears.
Goodwill NYNJ Outlet Store + Donation Center {South Hackensack}
Perhaps one of the most well-known organizations accepting donations, Goodwill is an excellent choice when donating new or gently used formalwear. Items donated to Goodwill not only provide an opportunity to purchase items at a highly discounted rate, but the outlet stores provide job opportunities to individuals living with disabilities and individuals experiencing employment barriers leading to a lack of financial independence. All Goodwill stores accept donations of new and gently used clothing, handbags, shoes, and accessories. All donations are tax-deductible.
Jails to Jobs {Throughout New Jersey}
Jails to Jobs is a non-profit organization committed to supporting previously incarcerated individuals find employment. Among many resources, connecting these individuals with new or gently used professional clothing is a top priority. Jails to Jobs works with dozens of organizations, religious facilities, and support programs to make donating easy and convenient. Most individuals benefitting need both men’s and women’s professional attire including suits, professional dresses, blouses, shoes, work-appropriate handbags, and briefcases.
See More: Resources for the Homeless in Hudson + Essex Counties
Bottomless Closet {Virtual}
Serving communities for over twenty years, Bottomless Closet has become its community. The organization started in 1999, just three years after major changes were made to the welfare system—putting individuals in need of this assistance at a further disadvantage. To date, the group of 200+ volunteers has supported more than 40,000 women in the NYC area who are re-entering the workforce. Typically, the organization can take in clothing donations of new and gently used, professional attire. However, due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, in-person donations are on pause for the safety and well-being of volunteers and donors. Bottomless Closet is still accepting donations of coats and black pants in sizes 14 and up via mail. Email info@bottomlesscloset.org to arrange your mailed donation.
St. Mary’s Advocate Thrift Store {Hoboken}
St. Mary’s Advocate Thrift Store has been a pillar in the Hoboken Community, in various capacities, since the 1960s. Today, the store serves as a place for residents to donate new or gently used clothing to be re-sold. St. Mary’s Advocate Thrift Store accepts donations of all types of clothing from workout apparel to formalwear. The store will also accept donations of women’s bras, stockings, new underwear, and gently used handbags. Items with stains, rips, tears, missing fasteners, etc. will not be accepted and simply create more work for the volunteer staff. Donations can be dropped off safely in the loading zone next to the store on Sixth Street.
